First 1,000 Days Framework

The First 1,000 Days

The first 1,000 days is the earliest stage of human development, from the time of conception through to a child’s second birthday.

This critical window of early childhood development has a profound and lasting impact on cognitive, social, and physical outcomes, shaping the foundation for a person’s lifelong health, wellbeing and potential.

If you are interested in learning more about the first 1,000 days, please see the following resources:

• First 1,000 Days: An Evidence Paper
  This research, conducted in 2017 by the Centre for Community Child Health at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne provides a comprehensive look into the importance and long-term impacts of this period. 

• The First 1,000 Days: YouTube Video
Dr Tim Moore, senior research fellow at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne succinctly highlights the importance of the first 1,000 days and the benefits of investment in this critical period of a child’s life. 

The First 1,000 Days Framework

On behalf of WA Health, the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) is leading the development of a First 1,000 Days Framework (the Framework) in collaboration with other government agencies, key stakeholders, service providers, non-government providers, and the community.

The development of a whole-of-government framework for the first 1,000 days also addresses the intent of Recommendation 8, of the WA Health Sustainable Health Review:

‘Health actively partners in a whole of government approach to supporting children and families in getting the best start to life to become physically and mentally healthy adults.’

The Framework will be future focused, providing agreement and direction to guide policies, programs, services, and models of care for the first 1,000 days, supporting families, and ensuring every child receives the best start to life.

Giving children the best start to life also means ensuring parents and caregivers feel safe, secure and supported when accessing services.

In scope	Out of scope
The importance of the first 1,000 days Evidence of what works Consumer voices Guiding principles Priorities Current and future enablers	Implementation plans Funding and workforce planning

What's next

Phase 1: complete	Minister for Health endorses proposed approach. Consultation with existing groups. Symposium held.
Phase 2: complete	Analysis of symposium discussions, synthesizing information with review of national and interjurisdictional strategies. Interagency and consumer advisory group established.
Phase 3: underway	Establish healthy advisory and project working groups. Develop the framework. Broad and targeted consultation. Revise framework following consultation.
Phase 4: December 2024	Framework completed.

News and updates

First 1,000 Days symposium

A symposium was held on the 29 April 2024, marking the beginning of extensive stakeholder consultation for the framework.

Key representatives from government, non-government organisations, and consumer groups gathered along with esteemed speakers to offer diverse perspectives on the first 1,000 days.

The symposium facilitated discussion regarding priorities, success measures, and the importance of culture.

Keynote speakers:

• Valerie Jovanovic – CAHS Chief Executive
• A/Prof Helen Wright – Department of Health, Child and Youth Health Network Lead
• Dr Janet Hornbuckle – Department of Health, Women and Newborn Health Network Lead
• Professor Fiona Stanley AC, FAA, FASSA, FAHMS – Founding Director & Patron, Telethon Kids Institute
• Professor Rhonda Marriott AM, PhD., RN., Midwife, Fellow CATSINaM – Pro Vice Chancellor, Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
• Jacqueline McGowan-Jones – Commissioner for Children and Young People